Santa Barbara County is beautiful because, throughout history, the stewards of this county have taken care to protect its virtue from those who would exploit this singularly unique paradise. People from all over the world want to live here because of its natural beauty and because that beauty has been courageously protected from being plundered.
Hollister Ranch is among the very last vestiges of the western American wilderness. Because of its geographic isolation, private ownership, lack of public access both along the shore and land, the ranch has passed through time relatively unsullied by the modern world.
The pristine coastline and magnificent geography make the ranch extraordinary. Abundant wildlife, unmolested by mankind, have become accustomed to humans and display tolerance not seen in the rest of the county. Flocks of quail walk peaceful along a trail or road, unfazed by human presence. Wild boar walk along the roads at night undeterred by me as I walk, giving them a broad berth — with them doing likewise…